How To Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on Android Devices

See how to enable Developer Options and USB debugging on Android device running on different firmware versions. Android is an open source firmware that makes it possible to customize and tinker with Android device to unleash its full capabilities and features. Developers love Android, and prefer it over iOS because it offers greater freedom to develop apps and features for Android devices. However, without Developer Options enabled on your Android device, you cannot change anything on your device that involves tweaking the system files. Developer Options is available on all Android device in Settings app, although, it may not be visible or hidden on some devices.

When the Developer Options are activated on Android devices, developers can use them to build, test and debug Android apps, or try mods before releasing them for public use.

Android Developer Options Main Features

Android development is simply not possible without Developer Options enabled on the device. With Developer Options you can establish a successful connection between Android device and PC for development purposes, and can control your device from PC. Even for non-experts, who just want to install a custom ROM, root the device, or install mod or kernels, having USB Debugging enabled inside Developer Options is prerequisite. Here’s how to access Developer Options on various Android firmware versions:

Developer Options on Android 4.2 Jellybean and higher has been disabled or hidden by default. You need to manually enable Developer Options on Android device. Steps to enable Developer Options on Android device from different manufacturers may not be the same. Here are the most common ways to enable Developer options on Android devices from different OEMs.

How To Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on Android Devices

On most devices, enabling Developer Options requires you to follow same steps. However, on some Android devices, menu titles and names may vary, so we are going to show how on different devices you need to access different menus to enable Developer Options.

Android is an open source firmware that encourages development work, and as long as this is the case we are going to see Developer Options being the integral part of Android development experience for a foreseeable future to come. From Android 4.2 and above, here’s how to enable Developer Options.

On Galaxy Note 2 or Note 3, and Galaxy device on Android 4.3, head to Settings > General > About and quickly tap 7 times on the device build version.

Next, scroll down to the Build Number and tap on it 7 times.

Now you’ll see a message ‘You are now a developer!’. On Galaxy S4 or other Samsung Galaxy devices with Android 4.2 or above, you’ll see a ‘Developer mode has been enabled’ message.

Return to the main menu in Settings app and scroll down where you’ll see a new Developer Options tab.

Tap on the Developer Options and enable the USB Debugging option by checking the box next to the option.

Similarly, you can disable the option by unchecking USB Debugging box.

If you want to turn Developer Options ON/OFF, go to Settings > Developer Options and tap on the slider to turn it ON or OFF.

How To Enable USB Debugging on LG Devices

Those of you who own an LG device such as LG G FLex, LG G Pro 2, LG G Pro, LG G2 and others, you can enable Developer Options from Settings > About > Software Information and quickly tap seven times on the device Build Number. You’ll see a message saying you’re now a developer or something on the same line, which means that Developer Options tab has been enabled. Back on the main Settings menu, tap on the Developer Options and enable USB Debugging option.

How To Enable USB Debugging on HTC Devices

On HTC One, HTC One Max, HTC One M8 or higher, and any other HTC phone running on Android 4.2 or later, here’s how you can enable the Developer Options.

Navigate to Settings > About > Software Information > More

Tap seven times on Build Number to enable Developer Options

Return to the main Settings menu and tap on the Developer Options

Now enable USB debugging by checking the box next to the option.

So these were the different way of enabling Developer Options and USB Debugging on any Android device. Google decision to hide Developer Options by default may be due to preventing someone accidentally tapping on these options which could cause damage to the device’s system files or normal working. Whatever the case, you now know how to enable USB debugging and Developer Options on Android device.

How To Hide Developer Options on Android Devices.

You can also hide Developer Options on Android devices. We have already shared a guide on how to disable / hide Developer Options on Android device, see this link to know more about it.